HC Deb 19 October 1994 vol 248 cc268-9W
Mr. Robert Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out the qualifications, including testing, which are required for drivers of minibuses and vehicles in which more than 10 passengers are carried.

Mr. Norris

A vehicle with up to 16 passenger seats may be driven by the holder of a category B, car, driving licence, provided the passengers are not being carried for hire or reward.

Drivers of such vehicles which are used for hire or reward, and drivers of vehicles with more than 16 passenger seats, are required to pass a further driving test for a category D, bus, licence and to he able to meet specified standards of health and conduct.

Drivers of vehicles which are used under the terms of the permit schemes which allow organisations concerned with education, social welfare and other activities of benefit to the community, to charge for transport services, providing no overall profit is made, are exempted from the need to hold a category D licence and may be driven by category B licence holders.